Read or listen to this post where I share practical encouragement for homeschooling children with dyslexia and ADHD, including how to set realistic back-to-school expectations and avoid the frustration that comes from comparing your homeschool to everyone else's.

"I'm so excited. This is going to be the year!"

Every August, homeschool parents begin the school year filled with hope.

This will be the year our child finally enjoys reading.

The year we stay on schedule.

The year the curriculum works perfectly.

The year everyone loves homeschooling.

After more than 30 years of homeschooling seven children with dyslexia and ADHD, I've learned something that might surprise you:

The happiest homeschool families aren't the ones whose plans go perfectly. They're the ones whose expectations are grounded in reality.

If you're homeschooling a child with dyslexia, ADHD, or another learning difference, having realistic back-to-school expectations isn't about lowering your standards.

It's about creating room for real growth.

Listen to the podcast.

If you prefer to listen, click the player below.

The Truth About Every Homeschool Year

Early in my homeschooling journey, a veteran homeschool mom shared something I didn't want to hear.

She said:

"Every homeschool year will bring something."

A new baby.
An illness.
A move.
Financial stress.
Family changes.
Unexpected challenges.

At the time, I resisted her advice.

Surely my homeschool year would be different.

Years later, I realized she was absolutely right.

There has never been a perfect homeschool year in our family.

There have been wonderful years.
Hard years.
Joy-filled years.
Exhausting years.

But every single one of them was worthwhile.

When homeschooling children with dyslexia and ADHD, flexibility isn't a weakness—it's one of our greatest strengths.

Expectation #1: The Perfect Curriculum May Not Be Perfect

Many of us spend the summer researching curriculum.

We read reviews.
Compare programs.
Ask for recommendations.
Watch YouTube videos.
Join Facebook groups.

Then school begins...

...and our child hates it.

Sound familiar?

One of the greatest freedoms of homeschooling is remembering what Charlotte Mason wisely said:

Curriculum is a tool—not our master.

Children with dyslexia and ADHD often need accommodations, modifications, and flexibility.

If a curriculum isn't working, you don't have to force it.

You can:

• Slow it down.
• Skip sections.
• Teach it differently.
• Replace it.
• Save it for another year.

The goal isn't finishing every page.

The goal is helping your child learn.

Expectation #2: Some Classes Won't Be a Good Fit

Parents often ask me whether they should enroll their child in co-op or online classes.

My answer is usually:

It depends on the teacher.

Some classes rely heavily on worksheets, written responses, and independent reading.

Others encourage discussion, hands-on learning, and flexible accommodations.

Before registering, contact the teacher and ask questions.

If the structure doesn't match the way your child learns, don't force it.

Remember:

Kids who learn differently need to be taught differently.

There are seasons when our children simply aren't ready for outside classes—and that's perfectly okay.

Expectation #3: Dyslexia and ADHD Don't Follow a Typical Timeline

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is comparing their child to other children.

Children with dyslexia often learn to read later than their peers.

ADHD adds another layer of difficulty by affecting attention, working memory, and executive function.

Of my own seven children with dyslexia:

• One became a fluent reader around age 9.
• Another didn't become fluent until around age 13.

I've worked with families whose children were even older before reading became automatic.

That doesn't mean they weren't learning.

It means they were learning differently.

Growth isn't always fast.

But it is still growth.

Expectation #4: Your Child May Resist Your Best Plans

This one is hard.

You spend weeks planning.

You finally introduce your amazing new homeschool routine...

...and your child complains.

It's easy to take that personally.

But remember:

Children who struggle with learning often resist because learning feels difficult—not because you're doing something wrong.

Sometimes it's simply "back-to-school shock."

Sometimes the method truly isn't a good fit.

Either way, resistance isn't failure.

It's information.

Use it to adjust your approach rather than doubting yourself.

Expectation #5: You Probably Won't Get Everything Done

Every fall I hear the same concern:

"We're already behind."

Usually by October.

Here's the reality.

Children with dyslexia and ADHD often require:

• more direct teaching
• more repetition
• more breaks
• more supervision
• more encouragement

Everything takes longer.

That's normal.

Instead of trying to finish everything, focus on doing the right things.

Elementary Priorities

At this stage, remediation matters most.

Focus on:

• Orton-Gillingham reading instruction
• Multisensory math
• Building foundational skills

History and science can often be approached through read-alouds, videos, hands-on activities, and simple exposure.

Middle School Priorities

As students mature, many become:

• stronger readers
• more independent
• better able to focus

This is an excellent time to begin introducing assistive technology.

High School Priorities

High school shifts toward independence.

Students benefit from:

• text-to-speech
• speech-to-text
• carefully chosen classes
• tutors when appropriate
• learning how to advocate for themselves

Priorities change because children change.

Don't Lower Your Expectations—Adjust Them

I want to be very clear.

I'm not suggesting you expect less from your child.

I'm suggesting you expect the journey to look different.

Children with dyslexia and ADHD often reach the same destination by a different route.

They may take longer.

They may need different tools.

They may require more support.

But they are absolutely capable of thriving.

Ready to Plan a Homeschool That Fits Your Child?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by curriculum choices, scheduling, or figuring out your priorities, I'd love to help.

Homeschool Planning Week begins August 17 and is designed specifically for families homeschooling children with dyslexia and ADHD.

Together we'll walk through:

• Setting the right priorities
• Choosing curriculum wisely
• Building realistic homeschool routines
• Creating a plan that actually works for your unique child

Which of these homeschool expectations have you experienced disappointment with? Leave a comment below!